Keep in mind, the Congressional Budget Office had estimated that something like 4 million Americans would qualify for the program. That's a response rate of less than one-half of one percent.

Ouch.

So the program's a bust, even though it offers immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions (even maternity!) at extremely competitive rates. A normal, profit-driven insurer would take stock, examine the marketplace, and immediately close it down.

"The federal government said Tuesday that it will slash premiums by 40 percent to entice more Arizonans to join a high-risk insurance plan for people with pre-existing medical conditions." [emphasis added]

Rest assured, the Grand Canyon State won't be the only one to reap the benefits; with the $5 billion initial seed money already on the table, the other 56 states won't be far behind in demanding their fair share of the premium reduction bonanza.

The good news, such as it is, is the the Federales may be onto something with this wrinkle:

"In addition to reducing premiums and making it easier for people to enroll, the federal government will expand its outreach to the business community ... Sayen said Medicare officials this fall plan to reach out to insurance brokers ... to reach more potential customers."

Keep in mind, the Congressional Budget Office had estimated that something like 4 million Americans would qualify for the program. That's a response rate of less than one-half of one percent.

Ouch.

So the program's a bust, even though it offers immediate coverage for pre-existing conditions (even maternity!) at extremely competitive rates. A normal, profit-driven insurer would take stock, examine the marketplace, and immediately close it down.

"The federal government said Tuesday that it will slash premiums by 40 percent to entice more Arizonans to join a high-risk insurance plan for people with pre-existing medical conditions." [emphasis added]

Rest assured, the Grand Canyon State won't be the only one to reap the benefits; with the $5 billion initial seed money already on the table, the other 56 states won't be far behind in demanding their fair share of the premium reduction bonanza.

The good news, such as it is, is the the Federales may be onto something with this wrinkle:

"In addition to reducing premiums and making it easier for people to enroll, the federal government will expand its outreach to the business community ... Sayen said Medicare officials this fall plan to reach out to insurance brokers ... to reach more potential customers."